Maverick Viñales to Miss His Home Grand Prix: Return to the Track Postponed Again

Pol Espargaró will be back on the track with Red Bull KTM Tech3 for the Aragon Grand Prix, scheduled for August 28–30. The Spanish rider will replace Maverick Viñales, who is continuing his recovery from injury and will remain focused on regaining full physical fitness.

After returning to MotoGP action at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, Espargaró finished 13th in Sunday’s main race. The Spanish rider will therefore once again line up alongside Enea Bastianini on the starting grid at MotorLand Aragón for the 13th round of the 2026 World Championship.

Viñales is continuing to work closely with his medical staff, KTM, and Tech3 to complete his rehabilitation process as successfully as possible. The team hopes to see him back in action at the San Marino Grand Prix, scheduled for September 11–13 in Misano.

Team manager Nicolas Goyon explained the decision: “Together with Maverick and KTM, we’ve decided that Pol will continue with us at Aragón, allowing Maverick to focus on his recovery. Pol did a solid job for the team at Silverstone, and his experience means he’s in the ideal position to return to the track this weekend as well.”

Goyon then reiterated the importance of not rushing Viñales’s return: “The most important thing for us is that Maverick takes all the time he needs to recover properly. We’re supporting him throughout this process and continue to hope we can welcome him back at Misano. Until then, we’ll focus on Aragón and continue to give Pol and Enea our full support.”